At Ahrens, Erin prepared to accompany her mother to the palace, as they were among the guests invited by the queen.
Luke, serving as Erin's bodyguard, was to join the entourage. Just before they departed, another guard from Ahren's main forces approached Luke discreetly, pulling him aside. The guard's voice was low as he informed Luke, "I overheard a conversation from Lord Ahren's study. That man will reach the capital today."
Luke's fist clenched tightly, the veins on his exposed wrist standing out starkly.
"It is possible you would be in the palace and get to see him," he observed the threatening coldness flashed on Luke's face, "My L….he swallowed the words back and said, "Please, keep your calm."
Regaining his composure, Luke reflected on his purpose for coming to Ahrens and securing this position. Over the past few months, he and his men had been plotting, and now, their plans were coming to fruition.
